Contents
Description
Dioscorea Communis, also known as the Chinese yam or cinnamon vine, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea but can also be found in other parts of Asia and North America. This herbaceous perennial vine can grow up to 9 meters long and has heart-shaped leaves that can be up to 20 cm long. It produces small, fragrant flowers that are usually white or pale yellow in color and has a tuberous root system that is edible and used in traditional medicine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Dioscoreales |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Genus | Dioscorea |
Appearance
The Chinese yam vine has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. It has heart-shaped leaves that are glossy and dark green in color. The stems are thin and twine around any support they encounter, making it a great plant for trellises and fences. The flowers are small and fragrant, with a sweet, delicate scent. The tuberous roots are long and thin and can grow up to 1 meter in length. They are usually light brown in color and have a rough, scaly texture.
Care Guide
The Chinese yam vine is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The Chinese yam vine prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. However, make sure not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The Chinese yam vine prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure to plant it in a location with good drainage.- Sunlight: The Chinese yam vine prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. Make sure to provide it with some shade during the hottest parts of the day.- Hardiness Zones: The Chinese yam vine is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Chinese yam vine is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. To avoid this, make sure to plant it in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. In addition, be on the lookout for aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs, which can occasionally infest the plant. If an infestation occurs, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Chinese yam vine is native to China, Japan, and Korea but can be found in other parts of Asia and North America. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun. It is a hardy plant that can grow in USDA zones 4-9.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Chinese yam vine edible?
A: Yes, the tuberous roots of the Chinese yam vine are edible and are commonly used in traditional medicine and cooking.
Q: Can the Chinese yam vine be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Chinese yam vine can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location. However, it may not grow as vigorously indoors as it would outdoors.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Chinese yam vine?
A: Fertilize the Chinese yam vine once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can the Chinese yam vine be grown from seed?
A: Yes, the Chinese yam vine can be grown from seed. However, it is easier to propagate it from cuttings or by dividing the tuberous roots.
Related Plants
– Dioscorea bulbifera (Air Potato)- Dioscorea elephantipes (Elephant’s Foot)- Dioscorea oppositifolia (Chinese Yam)
References
– “Dioscorea communis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 16, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277299.- “Dioscorea communis.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed September 16, 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60476269-2.
